Letters to the Editor

September 17, 2010

How many firefighters are needed to fight fire?

To the editor:

This letter refers to a story in the Sept. 13 Herald-Mail about the fire in the Indian Springs area ("Investigators probe cause of wildfire," page A1).

I am curious. I am not firefighting savvy and do not pretend to know how to fight a fire. But 12 fire companies from all over the county and a Special Operations Unit from Frederick to put out a fire of 40 acres and some abandoned buildings? There must have been at least 50 vehicles of varied description at the scene. It would seem that this in itself is an accident waiting to happen.

With the economic times we are now experiencing, it would seem that the fire companies would be a bit more frugal, with high fuel costs and other repairs and maintenance needed to maintain the equipment. It would seem that this is somewhat overkill.

I do not want to minimize the importance of saving property and lives from fires and I certainly respect and admire the people that volunteer and the protection they provide. I am just curious to know if there is a person or people who decide what companies to contact and how many units are needed.

Tom Wilhelm
Williamsport

Brennan throws his support behind Parrott

To the editor:

Now that the primary election is over, it is time for us to turn our attention to the November general election.

But first, I would like to thank my family, friends and supporters who worked with me on our campaign for state delegate in Subdistrict 2B. Although we did not prevail in the end, we had a lot of fun and learned a lot along the way.

Now, I ask you to join me in fully supporting the candidacy of Neil Parrott as we move toward November. It is time for us to take back our state and return it to its rightful owners, the people of Maryland. I believe Neil will serve our community well and I urge you to support him as you have supported me.

Ted Brennan
Keedysville
former candidate for state delegate

Mikulski is Maryland veterans' No. 1 ally

To the editor:

As I write this letter, the Maryland election polls still have nearly an hour left before closing. This primary is exciting, to say the least.

When choosing an elected official, I look for one who takes care of and cares about the residents of Maryland. In making my choices, it is never about party lines, as I have crossed them many times.

This said, it is my true hope that we have many more wonderful years yet to come having U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski looking out for our best interests. I would cross party lines for this senator any time and all the time.

I am sure I speak for most, if not all, Maryland military veterans when I say Mikulski is our No. 1 ally. I constantly speak with many out-of-state military veterans who wished they had Mikulski in their state to assist with their issues involving the Veterans Administration. Sadly, they do not, but luckily, we do have her here in Maryland, where we need to make certain she has a Senate seat as long as she wishes.

If we all give her our full support, we can make this a reality.

Randy A. Breeden
Williamsport

|

|

|